Sergeant Major Sylvester D. Daniels was born in Jackson, Tenn. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in July 1982 and attended recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, S.C. Following recruit training, Private First Class Daniels attended Infantry Training School located at Camp LeJeune, N.C., and upon completion was assigned the MOS 0341 Mortarman. In December of 1982, PFC. Daniels reported to 3rd Bn, 23rd Marines located in Memphis, Tenn., where he served as a mortarman in the Marine Corps Reserve while attending college.
In Feb. 1985, Cpl. Daniels was reassigned as a recruiter until September of 1988. Corporal Daniels in September 1988 reported to HQ Co., 1st Mar Div., FMF.
In September 1989, Sgt. Daniels reported to 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, located at Camp Pendleton, Calif. During this tour, he participated in Operation Desert Shield and fulfilled duties as Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and Platoon Commander while serving with Weapons Co. Sgt. Daniels served with 1st Bn. 4th Marines until March 1995.
In April 1995, Staff Sgt. Daniels reported to Drill Instructor School at MCRD San Diego. He served both as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor in the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. Staff Sgt. Daniels was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant while serving at MCRD San Diego.
In April 1998, Gunnery Sgt. Daniels reported to 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines located at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Gunnery Sgt. Daniels was initially assigned as the Platoon Sergeant for Dragons Platoon in Weapons Company. In June 1998, Gunnery Sgt. Daniels was assigned as the Weapons Company Operation Chief and then was reassigned to India Company as the Company First Sergeant from August 2000 through July 2001. In August 2001, Gunnery Sgt. Daniels was transferred back to Weapons Company as the Company First Sergeant. Promoted to First Sergeant in November 2001, 1st Sgt. Daniels continued to serve as Weapon Company's First Sergeant until June 2003. .
In July 2003, 1st Sgt. Daniels was assigned as the Company First Sergeant of Interim Marine Corps Security Force Company Bahrain participating in OIF II where he served until July 2004.
In July 2004, 1st Sgt. Daniels was assigned to HQ CO, 5th Marine Regiment as the Company First Sergeant where he served until January 2005.
In January 2005, Sgt. Maj. Daniels was assigned as Battalion Sergeant Major for 2nd Bn., 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division where he served until April 2008.
In May 2008, Sgt. Maj. Daniels was assigned as the Sergeant Major of Marine Barracks Washington D.C.
In May 2010, Sgt. Maj. assumed his current duty as the San Diego Depot/WRR Sergeant Major.
Sergeant Major Daniels' personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Combat "V", Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars and Combat "V", Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars and the Combat Action Ribbon.